Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
A closure counter for counting how many times a screw cap closure has been closed and opened, said closure counter being back in its initial position after N closing and opening operations, comprising an open-bottomed housing (10), a likewise open-bottomed cap-shaped counting unit (11) arranged in the housing (10) for rotation about its longitudinal axis (12), said rotary motion relative to the housing (10) being limited to a fraction 1/N of one full rotation, a display unit (13) arranged for rotation about the longitudinal axis (12) of the counting unit (11), said rotation of the display unit (13) relative to the counting unit (11) being allowed by a ratchet (14) in only one direction, the click motion likewise corresponding to the fraction 1/N of one full rotation, and a sliding fit between the housing (10) and the display unit (13).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
A closure counter for counting how many times a screw cap closure has been closed and opened, said closure counter being back in its initial position after N closing and opening operations, comprising an open-bottomed housing (10), a likewise open-bottomed cap-shaped counting unit (11) arranged in the housing (10) for rotation about its longitudinal axis (12), said rotary motion relative to the housing (10) being limited to a fraction 1/N of one full rotation, a display unit (13) arranged for rotation about the longitudinal axis (12) of the counting unit (11), said rotation of the display unit (13) relative to the counting unit (11) being allowed by a ratchet (14) in only one direction, the click motion likewise corresponding to the fraction 1/N of one full rotation, and a sliding fit between the housing (10) and the display unit (13).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
Closure counter according to claim 1, wherein the housing (10) is cylindrical, the external wall has a window (16), and the display unit (13) is arranged between the housing (10) and the counting unit (11) so that a section of the display unit (13) is visible through the window (16).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
Closure counter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotary motion of the counting unit (11) relative to the housing (10) is limited by a pin (17) projecting from the inner housing wall and engaging a groove (18) in the outside of the counting unit (11).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
70 words
Closure counter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the limitation of the rotary motion of the counting unit (11) relative to the housing (10) is effected by projections (19) provided on the inside of the open end of the housing (10) for engagement with recesses (20) in the outside of the counting unit (11), that are larger than the projections (19) by the fraction 1/N of one full circle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
Closure counter according to claim 1, wherein the ratchet (14) consists of upwardly pointing sawtooth-shaped teeth (21) jutting out from the lower portion of the counting unit (11) on the outside thereof, and of at least one pawl (22) at the lower rim of the display unit (13).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
Closure counter according to claim 1, wherein the number N is either seven or fourteen.